Many young adults in Southwest Louisiana have been teased for years with the idea of a thriving downtown Lake Charles. Big ideas such as the Kemah-like Mardi Gras Boardwalk have come and gone. There have been signs of life downtown through small businesses, restaurants, the new marina and the rebuilt Millennium Park, but what we really need is a master plan that sticks.

The industrial economic boom is expected to bring in 20,000-plus new residents, many of whom will be moving from larger cities and will be used to the hustle and bustle of downtown nightlife. Houston, for example, has a downtown that caters to sports and concert enthusiasts and foodies. A smaller version of that in our downtown could only enhance the quality of life for longtime residents and newcomers to the area.

The city has hired a Lafayette-based architecture firm to develop a plan that would work for us. Architects Southwest presented their preliminary master plan for potential development options Thursday during the Downtown Development Authority’s monthly meeting. The firm spent time in Lake Charles getting to know its residents and gathering information on what they want for their lakefront.

Some of the examples included downtown living accommodations, restaurants, museums, galleries and a hotel. One of the two primary demographics the plan would focus on is millenials — people ages 24-32. Architect Steve Oubre said this group is in search of a lifestyle that, unfortunately, is not available in most of Louisiana.

Lake Charles can give them that.

Oubre said the goal is to get and keep those people in the area. The basis for providing for those groups, he said, would be to create a “24/7” downtown with “live-work” blocks that have both residential and retail spaces.

Oubre also said connectivity was going to be a key in developing the lakefront area.

“You need to be able to get to this site without having to drive around I-10 and under the bridge to get here,” he said. “We need to connect for pedestrians. You should be able to walk from the Civic Center and have dinner at a restaurant located on the boardwalk in this project. Then actually stay at a hotel here or maybe even live here. That’s the dynamic we’re looking for. You wouldn’t need a car. That’s the hope.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Lake Charles has always had an idea of what it wants in its downtown, but what it needs is a unified vision. The city needs a plan that not only will immediately grow downtown but will also ensure its longevity for future Lake Charles residents. Looks like we’re on our way to that vision.

(American Press Archives)

Michelle Higginbotham